About Willow Lake Métis Nation:
Willow Lake Métis Nation is committed to protecting lands, waters, culture, food systems, and community priorities through Nation-led stewardship, monitoring, education, and sustainable development. The Indigenous Guardian role supports this work through environmental monitoring, field operations, community engagement, and hands-on support for Willow Lake Métis Farms, including the WLMF Bison Ranch.
Position Summary:
The Indigenous Guardian supports WLMN stewardship and WLMF farm operations through a mix of field work, ranch support, environmental monitoring, data collection, paper and digital records, equipment use, and practical farm development support. This position plays a key role in the WLMF Bison Ranch by supporting scheduled feed and welfare checks, monthly fence and gate inspections, camera review, feed/water/mineral monitoring, incident response, visitor and event safety support, and the documentation required under the WLMF Bison Ranch Management Plan.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support WLMN land stewardship, cultural stewardship, environmental monitoring, and Guardian field activities across the traditional territory.
- Complete or support scheduled WLMF Bison Ranch feed and welfare checks, including herd observation, headcount or best available count, feed status, water status, mineral/salt status, visible fence/gate concerns, hazards, and follow-up notes.
- Support year-round feeding activities, including hay/feed delivery checks, feeder placement support, twine/net wrap removal, feed location notes, and documenting feed changes related to calves, nursing mothers, body condition, weather, forage availability, or competition at feeding sites.
- Monitor dugout and naturally occurring water access during non-winter conditions and support winter trough and propane tank heater checks during winter or freezing-risk conditions.
- Complete or support monthly fence patrols and infrastructure inspections, with additional checks after storms, heavy snow, extreme wind, wildfire activity, known trespass, or other trigger events.
- Review trail camera activity and support camera/security records, including same-day follow-up for unusual activity, fence pressure, suspected breach, wildlife conflict, trespass, dog harassment, or other site concerns.
- Follow strict gate discipline, access control, check-in/check-out, PPE, and low-stress bison safety practices.
- Support incident response for fence damage, gate issues, suspected escapes, animal welfare concerns, water source or winter trough issues, spills, public interface concerns, unauthorized access, severe weather, wildfire, flood, and extreme cold events.
- Complete paper forms and digital backup work, including field logs, checklists, camera review notes, incident reports, feed/water/mineral records, fence and gate records, animal health observations, photos, maps, spreadsheets, trackers, and scanned records.
- Assist with data collection, entry, organization, and summaries for water, wildlife, vegetation, soil, wet-area monitoring, fish and aquatic work, and other Sustainability/WLMF programs.
- Support WLMF farm planning and business development by contributing practical ideas, field observations, cost notes, vendor/contractor information, program suggestions, and operational feedback for bison ranch, GrowPod, food security, education, sponsorship, and future farm opportunities.
- Support public education, controlled visitor access, community learning activities, and Stand Behind the Herd annual events as assigned, including site readiness, visitor safety support, sign-in records, event debrief notes, and herd observation.
- Operate or assist with trucks, trailers, ATV/UTV/SXS, Argo, snow machines, boats, skid steer, chainsaws, small tools, and field equipment where trained, authorized, and assigned.
- Maintain equipment, complete pre-use checks where applicable, and report maintenance, safety, or repair concerns promptly.
Qualifications:
- Strong knowledge of Willow Lake Métis Nation, local lands and waters, and the WLMN traditional territory.
- Experience working outdoors in remote, rural, or land-based settings in all seasons.
- Experience with environmental monitoring, water quality sampling, wildlife observations, fish sampling, field notes, GPS use, photos, maps, and/or data collection is preferred.
- Comfort working around large animals or livestock is an asset. Bison-specific safety training will be required before authorization for ranch duties.
- Ability to complete accurate paper forms, field notes, spreadsheets, data entry, scanned records, and basic reports.
- Proficiency with computers and common tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, GPS units, cell phones, cameras, tablets, and field instruments such as YSI or equivalent equipment.
- Mechanical aptitude and comfort with field equipment, trailers, small tools, chainsaws, boats, ATVs/UTVs/SXS, Argo, snow machines, and skid steer use where trained and authorized.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with Citizens, Elders, staff, contractors, industry, government representatives, visitors, partners, and the public.
- Dependable, organized, observant, safety-minded, respectful, motivated, and able to work independently within assigned authority and as part of a team.
- Physically able to work outdoors, walk uneven terrain, lift and carry field supplies, work in cold/heat/smoke/bugs/wet conditions, and travel by land and water when required.
Certifications and Training:
- Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence. Ability to tow a trailer is required or must be developed as part of the role.
- Reliable transportation to and from work or designated meeting points.
- First Aid / CPR-C is required or must be obtained.
- Boat operator certification or Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required for boat duties or must be obtained before assigned boat operation.
- Bear Awareness, Wildlife Awareness, ATV/UTV/SXS, Argo, snow machine, skid steer, trailer towing, and chainsaw training are required where assigned and may be completed after hire.
- PAL is considered an asset and may be required only for staff assigned to authorized firearms responsibilities under WLMN controls.
- CABIN training, Swift Water Rescue, Wilderness First Aid, and other environmental monitoring certifications are assets.
- Alberta fishing licence and gill net experience are assets for fish monitoring or harvest-related work where applicable.
Work Schedule and Conditions:
- Standard hours are expected to follow WLMN's approved schedule; however, field work may require early mornings, evenings, weekends, travel, or schedule changes due to feeding, monitoring, incidents, weather, events, or operational needs.
- The role includes outdoor work in all seasons, office/computer work, meetings, field travel, and work near bison, water, equipment, roads, and remote terrain.
- High-risk ranch tasks require appropriate training, authorization, supervision, minimum staffing, and check-in/check-out procedures.
Hiring Priority:
Hiring priority will be given internally.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants may submit a resume and cover letter to
[email protected] by July 10, 2026.
